U.S. patent application number 13/196271 was filed with the patent office on 2012-09-06 for portable podium.
This patent application is currently assigned to Berrien Metal Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Joel S. Barrett, Larry Barrett, Timothy A. Baylor.
Application Number | 20120223209 13/196271 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46752725 |
Filed Date | 2012-09-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120223209 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Baylor; Timothy A. ; et
al. |
September 6, 2012 |
PORTABLE PODIUM
Abstract
This invention provides to a full size convenient folding
portable podium which folds together as a single unit and thus
requires no assembly or disassembly.
Inventors: |
Baylor; Timothy A.; (Niles,
MI) ; Barrett; Joel S.; (Mishawaka, IN) ;
Barrett; Larry; (Niles, MI) |
Assignee: |
Berrien Metal Products,
Inc.
Buchanan
MI
|
Family ID: |
46752725 |
Appl. No.: |
13/196271 |
Filed: |
August 2, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13039613 |
Mar 3, 2011 |
|
|
|
13196271 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/460 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 61/00 20130101;
A47B 3/10 20130101; A47B 3/08 20130101; A47B 19/08 20130101; A47B
19/00 20130101; A47B 43/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/460 |
International
Class: |
A47B 97/00 20060101
A47B097/00 |
Claims
1. A portable podium comprising (a) a front panel having a top lip,
a bottom lip, and two side lips, (b) a desk top connected to the
top lip of the front panel by one or more hinges, (c) a middle
shelf connected to the front panel by one or more hinges, (d) a
left side panel connected to a side lip of the front panel by one
or more hinges, (e) a right side panel connected to a side lip of
the front panel by one or more hinges, and (f) a base panel
connected to bottom lip by a hinge.
2. A portable podium according to claim 1 further comprising a
support.
3. A portable podium according to claim 1 further comprising two
supports.
4. A portable podium according to claim 3 in which the two supports
are attached to lip of the middle shelf with two or more
hinges.
5. A portable podium according to claim 3 having two supports
attached to the lips of the side panels by 2 or more hinges.
6. A portable podium according to claim 1 constructed from
aluminum.
7. A portable podium according to claim 2 constructed from
aluminum.
8. A portable podium according to claim 3 constructed from
aluminum.
9. A portable podium according to claim 4 constructed from
aluminum.
10. A portable podium according to claim 5 constructed from
aluminum.
11. A portable podium according to claim 6 in which the hinges are
attached to the front panel and the middle shelf using a tape
suitable for metal attachment.
12. A portable podium according to claim 7 in which the hinges are
attached to the front panel and the middle shelf using a tape
suitable for metal attachment.
13. A portable podium according to claim 8 in which the hinges are
attached to the front panel and the middle shelf using a tape
suitable for metal attachment.
14. A portable podium according to claim 9 in which the hinges are
attached to the front panel and the middle shelf using a tape
suitable for metal attachment.
15. A portable podium according to claim 10 in which the hinges are
attached to the front panel and the middle shelf using a tape
suitable for metal attachment.
16. A portable podium according to claim 15 in which the desk top
slants downward.
17. A portable podium according to claim 16 in which the desk top
has a front lip.
18. A portable podium according to claim 17 in which the side
panels have slots.
19. A portable podium according to claim 14 in which the desk top
slants downward, and has a front lip.
20. A portable podium according to claim 19 in which the side
panels have slots.
21. A table top portable podium comprising (a) a front panel having
a top lip, a bottom lip, and two side lips, (b) a desk top
connected to the top lip of the front panel by one or more hinges,
(c) a left side panel connected to a side lip of the front panel by
one or more hinges, (d) a right side panel connected to a side lip
of the front panel by one or more hinges, and (3) a base panel
connected to bottom lip by a hinge.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application asserts priority from provisional
application 61/310,735, filed on Mar. 5, 2010 which is incorporated
herein by reference.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a convenient folding portable
podium which folds together so that the podium, when folded
together serves as its own flat rectangular case. The podium is
simply unfolded for use. Since the podium folds as a single unit it
requires no assembly or disassembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 4,484,787 relates to a combination voting
booth/speaker's lectern which is assembled from several pieces.
When disassembled the pieces of the podium would require a separate
case. U.S. Pat. No. 5,480,119 relates to a portable desk top podium
having a removable shelf and a front and sides, which fold
together. U.S. Pat. No. 6,092,885 relates to a portable podium,
which may be disassembled into several pieces. US Patent
publication 2009/0284963 relates to a collapsible portable stand in
which has support legs and a mast that collapse into a small
equipment enclosure or case. US Patent publication 20100006735
relates to a multipurpose platform suitable for use as a desk and
an easel. U.S. design Pat. D320319 relates to a portable lectern.
U.S. design Pat. US D210670 relates to a portable lectern and a
carrying case.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] This invention provides a full size convenient folding
portable podium which folds together as a single unit and thus
requires no assembly or disassembly. The podium provides a front
panel, side panels, a shelf, a bottom panel, and a top surface
which may be slanted. The components of the podium are connected
together with hinges so that they may be folded together without
disassembly. The podium, when folded together serves as its own
flat rectangular case.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 shows a view of the unfolded podium from the side and
behind the podium.
[0006] FIG. 2 shows a view of the unfolded podium from the side and
the front the podium.
[0007] FIG. 3 shows a view of the folded podium with the front
panel down.
[0008] FIG. 4 shows a view of the first step in unfolding the
podium.
[0009] FIG. 5 shows a view of the second step in unfolding the
podium.
[0010] FIG. 6 shows a view of the third step in unfolding the
podium.
[0011] FIG. 7 shows a view of the fourth step in unfolding the
podium.
[0012] FIG. 8 shows a view of the last step in unfolding the
podium.
[0013] FIG. 9 shows a view of an alternative embodiment of the
podium
[0014] FIG. 10 shows an alternative embodiment of the
invention.
[0015] FIG. 11 A shows a view of a desk or table top embodiment of
the invention in upright position.
[0016] FIG. 11 B shows a view of a desk or table top embodiment of
the invention on its front face.
[0017] FIG. 11 C shows a view of a desk or table top embodiment of
the invention on its front face.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] FIG. 1 shows a view of the unfolded podium from the side and
behind the podium. At the top of the podium is a desk top 1 on
which the speaker may place papers, display control devices, and
the like. At the bottom of the podium is a base panel 6. In the
middle of the podium is a middle shelf 2. A lip 29 on the middle
shelf is shown (front side closest to the speaker). The front panel
17 of the podium has side lips 12, a base lip 20, and a top lip 16.
The desk top 1 attaches to the top lip 16 of the front panel 17 of
the podium with a hinge 10. The base panel 6 attaches to the base
lip 20 of the front panel 17 of the podium with a hinge 11. The
middle shelf attaches to the inside of the front panel 17 with a
hinge 8. The left side panel of the podium (from the speaker's
point of view) 3 is shown. The left side panel has a lip 14. The
right side panel of the podium (from the speaker's point of view) 4
is shown. The right side panel has a lip 15. The side panels 3 and
4 are attached to the front panel 17 by hinges 9 and 7. When folded
down for use, the middle shelf 2 is retained in a horizontal
position by contact of the lip 29 of middle shelf 2 with the lips
14 and 15 of the podium side panels 3 and 4. An optional support 5
is shown. The optional support is attached to the lip 29 on the
middle shelf 2 with a hinge 13. Side lip 21 of the desk top 1 and
side lip 22 of the base panel 6 are shown. An optional front lip
(side closest to the speaker) 23 on the desk top 1 is shown. An
optional slot 24 on the side panel 4 is shown. These slots can
serve as handles when the podium is folded.
[0019] FIG. 2 shows a view of the unfolded podium from the side and
the front the podium. The desk top 1, front panel 17, base panel 6,
left side panel 3, side lip 12 of the front panel 17, side lip 21
of the desk top 1, side lip 22 of the base panel 6, front lip 23 on
the desk top 1, and slot 24 on the side panel 3 is shown.
[0020] FIG. 3 shows a view of the folded podium with the front
panel 17 down and not shown. The desk top 1, base panel 6, side
panels 3 and 4, hinges 9 and 7, side lip 12 of the front panel 17,
side lip 21 of the desk top 1, side lip 22 of the base panel 6, and
slots 24 on the side panels 3 and 4 are shown.
[0021] FIG. 4 shows a view of the first step in unfolding the
podium. The front panel 17 is down and not shown. The desk top 1,
base panel 6, side panels 3 and 4, hinges 9 and 7, side lip 12 of
the front panel 17, side lip 21 of the desk top 1, side lip 22 of
the base panel 6, and slots 24 on the side panels 3 and 4 are
shown. Fastening means 18 such as Velcro.RTM. hook and loop
fasteners are shown. Optionally the tops 19 of the side panels 3
and 4 may be slanted allowing the desk top 1 to be slanted downward
rather than being horizontal.
[0022] FIG. 5 shows a view of the second step in unfolding the
podium. The front panel 17 is down and the front surface is not
shown. The desk top 1, base panel 6, side panels 3 and 4, hinges 9
and 7, a fastening means 18, slanted tops 19 of the side panels 3
and 4, middle shelf 2, support 5, top lip 16 of front panel 17,
bottom lip 20 of front panel 17, side lip 21 of the desk top 1, and
side lip 22 of the base panel 6 are shown.
[0023] FIG. 6 shows a view of the third step in unfolding the
podium. The front panel 17 is down and the front surface is not
shown. The desk top 1, base panel 6, side panels 3 and 4, hinges 9
and 7, a fastening means 18, slanted tops 19 of the side panels 3
and 4, front lip 29 of middle shelf 2, support 5, hinge 13, side
lip 21 of the desk top 1, and side lip 22 of the base panel 6 are
shown.
[0024] FIG. 7 shows a view of the fourth step in unfolding the
podium. The front panel 17 is down and the front surface is not
shown. The desk top 1, base panel 6, side panels 3 and 4, hinges 9
and 7, a fastening means 18, slanted tops 19 of the side panels 3
and 4, front lip 29 of middle shelf 2, support 5, hinge 13, side
lip 12 of the front panel 17, side lip 21 of the desk top 1, and
side lip 22 of the base panel 6 are shown.
[0025] FIG. 8 shows a view of the last step in unfolding the
podium. The front panel 17 is down and the front surface is not
shown. The desk top 1, base panel 6, side panels 3 and 4, hinges 9
and 7, slanted tops 19 of the side panels 3 and 4, front lip 29 of
middle shelf 2, support 5, hinge 13, side lip 12 of the front panel
17, side lip 21 of the desk top 1, side lip 22 of the base panel 6,
slots 24 on the side panels 3 and 4 are shown.
[0026] FIG. 9 shows a view of an alternative embodiment of the
podium from the side and behind the podium. At the top of the
podium is a desk top 1 on which the speaker may place papers,
display control devices, and the like. At the bottom of the podium
is a base panel 6. In the middle of the podium is a middle shelf 2.
The front panel 17 of the podium has side lips 12, and a top lip
16. The desk top 1 attaches to the top lip 16 of the front panel 17
of the podium with a hinge 10. The middle shelf attaches to the
inside of the front panel 17 with a hinge 8. The left side panel of
the podium (from the speaker's point of view) 3 is shown. The left
side panel has a lip 14. The right side panel of the podium (from
the speaker's point of view) 4 is shown. The right side panel has a
lip 15. The side panels 3 and 4 are attached to the front panel 17
by hinges 9 and 7. Side lip 21 of the desk top 1 and side lip 22 of
the base panel 6 are shown. An optional front lip 23 on the desk
top 1 is shown. An optional slot 24 on the side panel 4 is shown.
Optional supports 25 and 26 are shown. Support 25 is attached to
side lip 14 of side panel 3 by hinge 28, and support 26 is attached
to side lip 15 of side panel 4 by hinge 27. Fasteners 30 and 31 to
hold the supports 25 and 26 to the middle shelf lip are shown. The
lip 29 of middle shelf 2 is behind supports 25 and 26 and not seen
in this view.
[0027] FIG. 10 shows a view of another embodiment of the invention.
The front panel 17 is down and not shown. The desk top 1, base
panel 6, side panels 3 and 4, hinges 9 and 7, a fastening means 18,
slanted tops 19 of the side panels 3 and 4, middle shelf 2, two
supports 5, two hinges 13, side lip 21 of the desk top 1, and side
lip 22 of the base panel 6 are shown.
[0028] FIGS. 11 A, 11 B, and 11 C show a table top embodiment of
the podium. The podium may also be placed on top of a desk, or
other convenient surface. This table top embodiment is convenient
in a situation where there is a table or desk already in a room.
The table top embodiment can conveniently convert a table or desk
into a podium. For example, an ordinary cafeteria table can be
converted into a podium if there is a need to address a group
gathered in a cafeteria. This can be useful because many businesses
have cafeterias with tables, but do not have an auditorium. The
table top podium differs from the full sized podium in that the
table top unit lacks a shelf. However, because it is shorter, it
does not require the bracing which a shelf provides in the full
size unit. The table top podium folds into a single unit in the
same manner as the full sized podium. When the table top podium is
folded into a single unit, it is kept from unfolding by a fastening
means such as Velcro.RTM. hook and loop fasteners.
[0029] FIG. 11 A shows a view of the unfolded table top podium from
the side and behind the podium. At the top of the podium is a table
top 1 on which the speaker may place papers, display control
devices, and the like. At the bottom of the podium is a base panel
6 which rests on the table or table top when the podium is in use.
The front panel 17 of the podium has a top lip 16. The table top 1
attaches to the top lip 16 of the front panel 17 of the podium with
a hinge 10. The side panels, not numbered in this view, are
attached to the front panel 17 by hinges 9 and 7. The bottom of the
podium 6 attaches to the inside of the front panel 17 with a hinge
8. Side lip 21 of the table top 1 is shown. An optional front lip
(side closest to the speaker) 23 on the desk top 1 is shown.
[0030] FIG. 11 B shows a view of the unfolded podium resting on its
front panel. The top of the podium, the desk top 1 is on the left
in this view. A lip 29 on the base of the podium is shown (right
side). A side panel 3 is shown. Side panel, not numbered in this
view, is attached to the front panel, not numbered in this view, by
hinge 7. The front panel, not numbered in this view, has side lips
12. Optionally the tops 19 of the side panels 3 and (4, not
numbered in this view) may be slanted allowing the desk top 1 to be
slanted downward rather than being horizontal. Side lip 21 of the
desk top 1 is shown.
[0031] FIG. 11 C shows a view of the podium resting on its front
panel. The podium is being folded for storage. The top of the
podium, the desk top 1 is on the left in this view. A lip 29 on the
base of the podium is shown (right side). Side lip 21 of the desk
top 1 is shown. Optionally the tops 19 of the side panels, not
numbered in this view, may be slanted allowing the desk top 1 to be
slanted downward rather than being horizontal. The side panels, not
numbered in this view, are shown. Side panel (4, not numbered in
this view) is attached to the front panel, not numbered in this
view, by hinge 7. A fastening means 18 such as Velcro.RTM. hook and
loop fastener is shown.
[0032] The podium may be made from a wide variety of materials
including wood, wood products, plastics, and metals. The podium may
be made from a variety of woods including the common woods such as
pine, oak, maple and cherry or decorative woods such as walnut,
hickory, teak and mahogany. Wood products suitable for the
construction of the podium include plywood, chipboard and
fiberboard. Plastics suitable for construction of the podium
include polycarbonate, acrylic, Plexiglas.RTM. (a trademark of Rohm
and Haas for a polymethylmethacrylate plastic), polyvinyl chloride
(PVC), fiberglass, polystyrene, and extruded plastics. Suitable
metals for construction of the podium include copper, titanium,
steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and aluminum magnesium alloys. If
the podium is made from wood or a wood product the lips may be
prepared as separate pieces of wood, wood product, or metal which
are fastened to the panels by a fastening means such as nails,
screws or glue. If the podium is made from a plastic material, the
lips would also be separate pieces of material which could be glued
to the panels. If the front and side panels are made from an
extruded plastic, the hinges may be extruded as an integral part of
the panel. In this case the front panel and the side panel would
each have half a hinge. The hinge halves are brought together and
inserting a hinge pin completes the hinge. If the podium is made
from metal, the metal panels may simply be stamped to achieve the
desired shape.
[0033] It is possible to build the podium from a mixture of
materials. One could, for example build a wooden front panel 17 and
desk top 1 while making the middle shelf, the side panels and the
base panel 6 out of metal. If the appearance of wooden front panel
17 is desired, it is possible to fashion metal "L" shaped piece,
which could be attached to sides of the wooden front panel 17
servings as lips. The hinges could be attached to the metal lips
and the rest of the podium could be made from metal. Colored
plastics could be used to change the appearance of the podium.
Aluminum is the preferred material for construction of the podium
because it is light weight and strong. It is easy to coat or
anodize aluminum to obtain a variety of appearances.
[0034] The podium may be decorated in a wide variety of ways. If
the podium is made totally, or partially of wood, the wood portions
may be stained and coated with a varnish such as polyurethane. The
wood surface may be painted. If the podium is made from mild steel,
the surfaces may be coated with clear lacquer or a wide variety of
colored lacquers. Automotive finishes would be appropriate. In
addition steel may be covered with wet coat paint. Stainless steel
may be lacquered, painted, brushed, or polished. Aluminum may be
anodized, painted, lacquered, brushed, or polished. Decorative
labels or plaques may be applied to the surfaces of the podium.
Laser designs can be cut in the surfaces. By these means the podium
can personalized to reflect the taste of the user.
[0035] In a preferred embodiment the podium is constructed from
several pieces of aluminum held together by hinges. The hinges may
be welded, glued, or taped to the aluminum pieces. Welding methods
such as metal inert gas welding, tungsten inert gas (TIG), and spot
welding are suitable for attaching the hinges. The hinges may be
screwed to the aluminum pieces. The hinges may be taped to the
aluminum pieces using a tape suitable for metal attachment such as
3M.RTM. VHB.RTM. acrylic foam tape. The hinges may also be glued to
the aluminum pieces using epoxy or cyanoacrylate glues.
[0036] The hinges which connect the various components of the
podium may be piano or continuous hinges, pivot hinges, spring
hinges, door hinges, butt hinges, cabinet hinges, friction hinges,
and strap hinges hinges. Piano hinges are preferred, but a piano
hinge may be replaced by one or more pivot hinges, spring hinges,
door hinges, butt hinges, cabinet hinges, friction hinges, and
strap hinges. If a single pivot hinge, spring hinge, door hinge,
butt hinge, cabinet hinge, friction hinge, or strap hinge is used
instead of a piano hinge, it should be placed close to the center
of the movable component of the podium. It is preferred to use two
or more pivot hinges, spring hinges, door hinges, butt hinges,
cabinet hinges, friction hinges, or strap hinges, or a single piano
hinge for making a connection.
[0037] The portable podium has a front panel 17 to which are
attached a desk top 1, a base panel 6, two side panels 3 and 4, and
a middle shelf 2. Optionally, a support 5 may be attached to the
middle shelf. The front panel 17 has a lip on all sides to which
the desk top 1, base panel 6 and side panels are attached.
Specifically, the desk top 1 is attached to the top lip 16. The
base panel 6 is attached to the bottom lip 20. The side panels are
attached to the side lips 12.
[0038] The lips on the front panel 17 serve two purposes. First
they provide a point of attachment for the hinges which connect the
desk top 1, base panel 6, and side panels 3 and 4 to the front
panel 17. Each attachment can be made with a piano hinge or one or
more pivot hinges, spring hinges, door hinges, butt hinges, cabinet
hinges, friction hinges, or strap hinges. The second purpose of the
lips on the front panel 17 is to create a space into which the
parts of the podium may be folded when the podium is fully folded
for storage or transportation.
[0039] The middle shelf 2 is attached to the inside of the front
panel 17 with a hinge 8 at a proper height for a shelf. The middle
shelf 2 has a lip 29 at the front closest to the speaker. The
height of the shelf may vary depending upon the use to be made of
the podium. Ordinarily the middle shelf 2 would be about 12 to 18
inches below the desk top 1. If it is envisioned that the podium
will be used with bulky items to be stored on the shelf, the middle
shelf 2 might be two feet below the desk top 1. The hinge 8 allows
the middle shelf 2 to fold flat against the back of the front panel
17 when the podium is folded for storage or transportation. If the
podium is equipped with an optional support 5 for the middle shelf
2, a hinge 13 allows the support 5 to fold back to cover the middle
shelf 2. The side panels 3 and 4 of the podium fold toward the
center to cover the middle shelf 2, and the optional support 5. The
desk top 1 has two side lips 21, and the base panel 6 has two side
lips 22. The desk top 1 and the base panel 6 are wider than the
front panel 17 so that the side lips 21 and 22 cover the side lips
12 of the front panel 17. When the podium is folded, as described
above, it becomes a rectangular object which may be readily stored
or transported to another location. Optionally, a fastening means
18 such as a Velcro.RTM. hook and loop fastener may be provided to
fasten the desk top 1 and the base panel 6 to the side panels 3 and
4 when the podium is folded. Other fasteners such as magnets clips,
fastener snaps, spring pins, and twist-locks could be used. This
fastening means prevents the podium from unfolding during
transportation. Hinges 8 and 13 can be single piano hinges, or one
or more pivot hinges, spring hinges, door hinges, butt hinges,
cabinet hinges, friction hinges, and strap hinges.
[0040] When the podium is to be used, the unit is simply unfolded.
The desk top 1 and the base panel 6 are opened. The side panels 3
and 4 are unfolded and the middle shelf 2 is moved into position.
The side panels 3 and 4 are brought into position, and the desk top
1 and base panel 6 are put into position. Because the desk top 1
and base panel 6 are wider than the front panel 17, the side lips
21 and 22 of the desk top 1 and base panel 6 cover the side panels
3 and 4. The side panels 3 and 4 are held rigidly because they are
prevented from moving inward by the middle shelf 2 and are
prevented from moving outward by the side lips 21 and 22 of the
desk top 1.
[0041] If an optional support is present the top of the support is
5 attached to the lip 29 of the middle shelf 2 by a hinge 13. When
the podium is unfolded for use, the support is placed so that so
that bottom part of the rests on the bottom lip of the front panel
17. Although the podium does not require a support, the support
does add extra stiffness to the podium. The support may be made of
any material from the podium may be constructed. Aluminum is a
preferred material. The support may be constructed from a solid
piece of metal. However, this increases the weight of the support.
It is possible to have a support in the form of a metal sheet with
cut outs. This lowers the weight of the support without appreciably
reducing its strength. Another embodiment which can reduce the
weight of the support assembly is shown in FIG. 10. In this
embodiment there are two smaller supports 5 instead of one single
support. Each support is attached to the lip 29 of the middle shelf
2 by one or more hinges 13. The individual supports may be narrower
than half the size of a full single support. Thus, the two supports
could weigh less than a full size single solid support without
cutouts. These two supports could either be solid or have cutouts.
Hinge 13 can be single piano hinge, or one or more pivot hinges,
spring hinges, door hinges, butt hinges, cabinet hinges, friction
hinges, or strap hinges. Since each support is independently
hinged, there are two or more hinges for the supports
[0042] Optionally the side panels may have a slanted top 19. This
allows the desk top 1 to slant downward rather than being
horizontal. Most podiums have a downward slope on the desk top 1,
and this is a preferred embodiment for the present invention. If
the side panels are sloped, and the desk top 1 slants downward, it
is convenient for the desk top 1 to have an optional front lip 23.
This keeps papers from sliding off the downward slanted podium desk
top 1.
[0043] Optionally, slots 24 may be cut in the side panels 3 and 4.
These slots can serve as handles for carrying the folded podium.
The slots should have a size such that a person can conveniently
place their hand in the slot. Although the placement of the slots
is not critical, it is preferred that the slots be close to a
balancing point so that when a person is carrying the folded podium
using the slots as handles, the podium is neither front heavy nor
rear heavy.
[0044] An alternative embodiment of the podium is shown if FIG. 9.
In this embodiment, there are two supports 25 and 26 which are
attached to the lips 14 and 15 of the side panels 3 and 4 by hinges
27 and 28. Hinges 27 and 28 can be single piano hinges, or one or
more pivot hinges, spring hinges, door hinges, butt hinges, cabinet
hinges, friction hinges, or strap hinges.
[0045] When the podium is folded, the supports 25 and 26 fold
inside the side panels 3 and 4. When the podium is unfolded for
use, the supports fold out and are secured to the front lip of the
middle shelf. The supports 25 and 26 are secured to the lip of the
middle shelf 29 by a fastening means such as magnetic cabinet
latches, or captive fasteners. This fastening means is not a hinge
but is instead a fully openable fastener. Thus, when the podium is
to be folded, the two supports 25 and 26 remain attached to the
lips 14 and 15 of the side panels 3 and 4 by two or more hinges 27
and 28. The fully openable fastener attaching the supports 25 and
26 to the lip 29 of the middle shelf 2 is opened and the supports
25 and 26 are no longer attached to the lip 29 of the middle shelf
2. Captive fasteners are a preferred openable fastener for
attaching the supports to the lip 29 of the middle shelf 2 of the
podium. Captive fasteners have a screw attached to the supports 25
and 29 and a captive nut attached to the middle shelf lip 29. The
screw is part of an assembly which is pressed into a hole in a
sheet metal panel, in this case, the supports 27 and 28. The
assembly is held firmly in the panel, and the screw can be turned
to engage the nut. The screw portion of the captive fastener has a
ferrule at the end so that the screw may be easily turned by hand.
The nut is similarly part of an assembly pressed into a hole in the
lip of the middle shelf 29. The nut is positioned so that it can
engage the threads of the captive fastener screw. Captive fasteners
can be closed or opened quickly without tools. In this embodiment,
the supports 27 and 28 create a cabinet under the middle shelf 2 of
the podium. The ferrule of the captive fastener acts as a cabinet
door handle. The cabinet under the middle shelf may be used to
store objects which may be needed while the podium is being used.
For example, if a speaker had a box of brochures to be handed out
after the speech, the box could be stored in the cabinet under the
center shelf, rather than being placed next to the podium.
Example I
[0046] A podium was constructed from 0.06 inch thick aluminum metal
sheets. The metal was cut and stamped to form a front panel, a desk
top, two side panels, a middle shelf, a support, and a base panel.
The desk top, side panels, middle shelf, and base panel were
attached to the front panel by hinges. A brace 5, as shown in FIG.
1, was made from a metal sheet with cutouts to reduce weight. It
was attached to the middle shelf by a hinge. All hinges were
attached using 3M.RTM. VHB.RTM. acrylic foam tape. The podium had
slanting side panels and the desk top slanting downward. The desk
top had a front lip to prevent papers from sliding off the desk
top. Holes approximately 4.5 inches long and 1.25 inches wide,
serving as handles, were cut in the side panels. When folded the
podium was 42 inches long, 20 inches across, and 2 inches thick
including the front lip on the podium desk top. When unfolded for
use the front panel was 42 inches long, the podium was 12 inches
deep and the desk top measured 203/8 inches across by 12 inches
deep. The complete podium weighed 17.5 pounds.
* * * * *